Onnoghen: Nigeria Not A Banana Republic- Dogara

Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has called for caution in the charges filed against Justice Walter Onnoghen, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), by the Federal Government.

Dogara, who spoke through a statement issued by Turaki Hassan, Special Adviser (Media & Public Affairs), on Sunday, said that while the House awaits further briefing from relevant agencies, nevertheless, it is important that due process is followed because Nigeria is a country governed by laws and not dictates of men.

Dogara asserted that Nigeria as a country, is governed by laws with clearly spelt out procedures and processes for their activation and not the dictates of men.

“It is important that people in authority should exercise power with decorum and not plunge the nation to needless crises as Nigeria is not a banana republic.

“This is a matter that affects another arm of government and its head, which should be treated with caution so as not to send the wrong signal that there is a political undertone or other ulterior motives to the issue.

“As we raised our voice when the National Assembly was invaded by hooded security men last year, it is incumbent on us as the legislature to voice our concerns because we operate under a system where three arms of government are co-equal branches and enjoy a measure of independence guaranteed by the Constitution.

“As we approach the general elections, it is incumbent on the prosecutorial authorities to exercise caution and treat matters of this nature with utmost circumspection.”